Sparta Prague player Jakub Jankto breaks silence after coming out as openly gay footballer

Getafe loanee Jakub Jankto has candidly spoken about the “absolutely normal” decision of coming out as an openly gay footballer last week.

Jankto took to social media to share a spine-tingling video of him announcing to the world that he is a “homosexual” and he “no longer [wants] to hide [himself].”

“Like everybody else, I have my strengths, I have my weaknesses, I have a family, I have my friends,” he said.

“I have a job that I have been doing as best as I can for years with seriousness, with professionalism and passion.”

The 27-year-old Czech midfielder received an incredible reception from Sparta Prague fans after he came off the bench in his side’s 3-0 win over Jablonec on Sunday.

Jankto followed in the footsteps of players like Blackpool’s Jake Daniels and Adelaide United’s Josh Cavallo by revealing that he is gay.

Sparta Prague, who signed Jankto on loan from Getafe, posted a heartfelt message of support for the Czech Republic international after his high-profile announcement.

“Everything else concerns his personal life,” the club said.

“No further comment. No further questions. You have our support. Live your life, Jakub.”

Speaking to Mediaset (as per Marca), Jankto admitted that he was well aware of the criticism he could face from the world over his decision to come out as gay.

“Is the world of football homophobic? Definitely, a bit yes, because if I’m the first footballer to come out of the closet, it’s like that,” he said.

Despite any criticisms he has faced, Jankto said he is hopeful of helping people who are “afraid of coming out of the closet out” to make the brave decision to come out.

“The decision is very important and I am very happy,” he said.

“For some it is a revolution, for me, it is something absolutely normal.

“After 26 years with that barrier, you can’t live the way you want, and after coming out of the closet I feel really free and it’s extraordinary.

“Many people are afraid of coming out of the closet. We are going to help those people, too.”